The finalists in the Class 4A championship game bring two different styles on offense. Marist has the run-first option that has been its style for 40 years. North Oconee features a more balanced attack, with almost a 50-50 split on passing and running.
The similarity is at quarterback where both teams have a skilled decision maker who fits the offense to a tee.
The Marist quarterback is senior Jack Euart, a three-year starter who knows every jot and title of the playbook. He’s a skilled decision maker who understands how to make the right read and get the football in the right hands. He’s an effective passer, but isn’t asked to carry the game on his arm.
“Their quarterback is special,” said North Oconee coach Tyler Aurandt. “That guy is one of the best players I’ve watched in the last few years. He’s not a super hero, but he just runs their offense so well and gives them a chance on every play. You’ve got to be able to figure out how to stop him and I don’t know that anybody has been able too do that.”
The North Oconee quarterback is Harrison Faulkner, a junior who is starting for the first season. Faulkner, the son of Georgia Tech offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner, is an excellent passer with a quick release and the knack for making the right read. He’s also a threat to keep the ball and run; he’s the leading rusher on the team.
“Their quarterback is very elusive and is a great playmaker, either with his feet or with the ball in his hands,” Marist coach Alan Chadwick said. “You’ve got to worry about not giving up the big play. He’s a gamer and you can tell he’s a competitor. He’s well-coached and he’s a great leader.”
Euart is the team’s rushing leader; he carried 161 times for 994 yards and 12 touchdowns. He’s only thrown 73 passes, completing 41, for 698 yards and nine touchdowns, with only two interceptions.
Faulkner has thrown for 3,017 yards and 37 touchdowns; he has completed 170 of 250 passes with only four interceptions. He has rushed 105 times for 713 yards and six touchdowns.
The Class 4A championship game will be played Monday at 7 p.m. at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
